Information for professionals
In Britain, five children in a classroom of 30 are likely to have a mental health problem (The Children’s Society, 2022). All of these children will have had contact with schools, and teaching staff are often the first to spot when children have difficulties. Schools frequently have to cope with children who have complex emotional and behavioural difficulties which lead to them not being able to benefit fully from the educational system.
Play Therapy not only helps children to recover from difficult life experiences, but in doing so, also helps children to be more receptive to learning and therefore enables their educational needs to be better met.
For more information please read our What is Play Therapy page.
Information for Parents/Carers
Parents and carers often worry when their child has a problem that causes them to be sad, disruptive, rebellious, unable to cope or inattentive. You may be concerned about your child’s development, eating or sleeping patterns and how they are getting along with family, friends and at school.
Every child is unique and special but sometimes they experience problems with feelings or behaviours that cause disruption to their lives and the lives of those around them.
Some parents and carers may delay getting help because they worry that they will be blamed for their child’s behaviour. Feeling concerned and taking responsibility for a child’s distress or problems is a normal part of caring. The fact that you have the commitment to start addressing the difficulty is a significant part of helping your child.
For more information please read our What is Play Therapy page.
Child Friendly Resources
If you have been told that you are going to Play Therapy you may find the information in this image useful.
How to support children’s exposure to tragic events
In a world where tragic events often dominate the news and social media, it is essential to provide children and young people with the necessary support to navigate their fears and trauma. Exposure to distressing images and reports can have a profound impact on their emotional well-being, leading to feelings of anxiety, confusion, and helplessness.
To support children and young people during these challenging times, it is important to create a safe and open environment where they feel comfortable expressing their feelings. Adults should take the time to listen actively, validating their emotions without judgment. They should reassure children that it is normal to feel scared or upset in response to these events which can help them understand their emotions and reduces feelings of isolation.
One effective way to help children manage their fear and anxiety is by directing their attention to the helpers—those individuals who are working to resolve the situation and provide aid to those in need. Focusing on the positive actions of these helpers, such as first responders, volunteers, and community leaders, can shift their perspective from the traumatic aspects of the event to the compassion and support that emerges in difficult times. This approach not only provides comfort but also fosters a sense of hope and resilience, helping children see that even in the midst of tragedy, there are people dedicated to making things better.
Providing age-appropriate explanations about what is happening can also help alleviate anxiety. It is important to strike a balance between honesty and protection, offering information that is truthful yet not overwhelming.
Limiting exposure to distressing media coverage is another key step in protecting their mental health. Setting boundaries around news consumption and social media use, and engaging in positive activities together, can help shift their focus and reduce the intensity of their fears.
For children and young people who show signs of deeper trauma—such as ongoing anxiety, nightmares, or changes in behaviour—seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor may be necessary. Trauma-informed care, particularly approaches like play therapy or other expressive therapies, can provide them with the tools to process their experiences in a safe and supportive setting.
Finally, fostering a sense of community and stability is crucial. Engaging in routine activities, promoting social connections, and encouraging them to participate in community-building efforts can help them feel more secure and hopeful.
By offering empathetic support, clear communication, and professional resources when needed, we can help children and young people build resilience and cope more effectively with the fear and trauma arising from tragic events and social unrest.
